Thursday, December 30, 2021
US Air Force Flying Intel Missions Over Eastern Ukraine
On 27 and 30 December 2021,US Air Force intelligence platforms were flown over Eastern Ukraine with permission of the Ukrainian government.The aim of the flights was to ascertain Russia's force posture along Ukraine's border with Russia,where tens of thousands of Russian troops have been intimidating Ukraine,whch is a former Soviet Republic.Participating were Boeing/Northrop Grumman Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) and RC-135V Rivet Joint SIGINT aircraft.The second flight occurred within hours Thursday of a secure video call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joseph R. Biden at 1500 hours Eastern time.The call,described by Russia as having been "serious and constructive" was held at Mr.Putin's initiative.It lasted 50 minutes.
According to the White House readout:
President Biden voiced the deep concern of the United States and our European Allies about Russia's escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine and made clear that the U.S. and our Allies would respond with strong economic and other measures in the event of military escalation.President Biden reiterated his support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.The two presidents tasked their teams to follow up,the U.S. will do so in close coordination with allies and partners.
The presidents also discussed the U.S.-Russia dialogue on Strategic Stability,a separate dialogue on ransomware,as well as joint work on regional issues such as Iran.*
Mr.Putin reportedly warned President Biden that imposing severe sanctions on Russia would be "a colossal mistake."
Former Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes (Obama administartion) said you can't call talking with Mr.Putin a conversation;he has been on a 20-year trajectory of aggression against the Republic of Georgia and Ukraine,and his words are more of a tirade.He tries to draw you into a debate about his view of history.You must plow through his talking points and make your message firmly,despite his "whataboutism."*
A Biden administration official calls today "a moment of crisis."Russia's assertive foreign policy can be used to cloak Russia's domestic problems.Former CIA Director and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says Mr.Putin is ratcheting up his pressure when he is trying to get his way.It's been said that he is seeking to divide NATO in the wake of the hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan,which disturbed some European Allies.*
The reconnaissance flights didn't find any easing of tension along the Ukrainian border.Indeed,Russia is planning to stage even more drills in nearby Belarus.Former US Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor said:
There's no serious negotiations when you have a gun...100,000 guns...pointed at your head.*
The 16 JSTARS aircraft are based at Warner Robins Air Force Base,Georgia.They are operated by the Georgia Air National Guard.Built on a Boeing 707 airframe,JSTARS are intended to operate through 2030.Their side-looking radar can observe 20,000 square miles of terrain down to the level of tracking the motions of vehicles.They can also conduct battle management,command and control.*
The RC-135V/W is built on a Boeing C-135 Stratolifter airframe with mission systems by L3Harris Technologies.
Boeing (BA),Northrop Grumman (NOC),L3Harris (LHX)
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Monday, December 27, 2021
Saturday, December 25, 2021
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Former NATO Commander Warns of Putin's Next Move
According to former Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Wesley Clark,US Army retired,it looks to him as if the Russian armed forces are primed to take swift action against Ukraine.They have been modernised and have likely assured an eager Russian President Vladimir Putin that they can reconstitute part of the Soviet Union in short order if instructed to do so.And Russia has most recently accused the US and Ukraine of planning to use chemical weapons,which could be a pretext concocted to justify a Russian attack on Ukraine.The charge is blatantly false,since the US decades ago canceled its chemical weapons programme.*
General Clark,speaking to CNN's Wolf Blitzer,suggested that Romania,a NATO Ally that borders Ukraine and is located in the Black Sea Region,be reinforced by air to protect against spillover of a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine.Russian troops,the former 14th Guards Army,illegally occupy part of NATO Partner Moldova,which also borders Romania.He believes the Russian buildup on Ukraine's borders is reaching the point where Russian forces cannot sustain their posture much longer.*
Russia has recently made a number of demands that it knows NATO cannot accept,such as forbidding Ukrainian membership in NATO and refraining from deployment of NATO forces in Central and Eastern Europe.So the Kremlin seems to be fabricating a rationale for further aggression against Ukraine.*
A senior Biden administration official rejected the demands:
We will not compromise on key principles on which European security is based.*
Asked by a journalist about Mr.Putin's red lines,President Joseph R. Biden had previously stated:
I don't accept any red lines.*
Friday, December 17, 2021
US Army Europe Leads Simulated Warfighting:Combined Resolve XVI Forms NATO Allies and Partners
Some 4600 troops from Bulgaria;Georgia;Greece;Italy;Lithuania;Poland;Serbia;Slovenia;Ukraine;the UK and the US are currently staging combat drills in snowy Bavaria,Germany's Hohenfels Training Area.The exercise is to evaluate and assess the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team,1st Infantry Division's ability to conduct multinational operations in a multi-domain simulated battlespace.The drills began 17 November 2021 and run till 20 December.They are large-scale operations in a dynamic environment geared at achieving interoperability with unified Allies and Partners.The ultimate goal is to affirm that,together,they will be victorious in any conflict.
The multinational counterparts are testing their skills across all warfighting functions,thus creating a more lethal coalition.According to Major General Adam Joks,Deputy Commanding General-Interoperabilty V Corps:
By conducting combined operations with our Allies,our Soldiers learn how to work together effectively to achieve tactical objectives...integrating systems,procedures and building lasting relationships with our Allies.*
Units based in the US are brought to Europe for nine months at a time in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve,a response to Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2014.This creates a unified front which serves to deter aggression in the region.CBR XVI represents US commitment to a free,democratic,safe and secure Europe by maintaining readiness to dominate large-scale operations in the European theatre.*
A tactical operations centre was set up to support brigade leadership during the combined arms operations in the complex battlespace.Procedures for Command and Control across multinational formations,such as the Bulgarian Land Forces and their BTR-60 armoured personnel carriers,during the field portion of the exercise.*
Thursday, December 16, 2021
Kansas Legion Riders honor ‘a hero to our veterans’ - Late Senator Bob Dole back to Kansas
Kansas Legion Riders honor ‘a hero to our veterans’: American Legion Riders from all over the state provide flag lines for former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole during his return home.
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Friday, December 10, 2021
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
US Official:Russian Invasion of Ukraine Means More US Troops to Europe
A senior US official told reporters that,should Russian President Vladimir Putin order the invasion of Ukrainian territory for a second time,one result would be the US sending additional troops to reinforce Europe:
It would certainly be the case that if Putin moved in,there would be an increasing request from Eastern Flank Allies,and a positive response from the United States,for additional forces and capabilities and exercises to take place there to ensure the safety and security of our Eastern Flank Allies in the face of that kind of aggression in Ukraine...a combination of support for the Ukrainian military;strong economic countermeasures;and a substantial increase in support and capability to our NATO Allies to ensure that they remain safe.*
Indeed,NATO Ally Latvia has already called for US troops to be permanently based on its territiory.The anonymous US official declined to specify under which circumstances the US military coud get involved if Russia carries out an attack on Ukraine,described by the Intelligence Community as a possible three-pincer strike with at least 175,000 Russian military personnel.As for Ukraine joining NATO (it already has a Membership Action Plan to chart its course to NATO membership),the official stressed that:
The US has consistently expressed support for the principle that every country has the sovereign right to make its own decisions with respect to its security.That remains US policy today and will remain US policy in the furture.So that much is straightforward and clear.*
There is also some concern that,should Russia barge into Ukraine,China might seize the opportunity to invade Taiwan at the same time.*
Friday, December 3, 2021
New member, now commander, aims for next-gen Legionnaires
New member, now commander, aims for next-gen Legionnaires: Outreach to young veterans and those still serving a high priority at Newport Harbor Post 291.
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
As NATO Foreign Ministers Meet,Battle Group Develops Tactical Skills Nearby
The NATO Foreign Ministerial is underway in Riga,Latvia .The foreign ministers will discuss current challenges to the security of NATO and the Euro-atlantic Area caused by the activity of Russian forces at the border with Ukraine,and the migrant crisis at the Polish-Belarus border,the Polish Foreign Ministry said.They will also discuss preparations for the 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid,and consult with the foreign ministers of NATO Partners Georgia and Ukraine.
With regard to the Russian buildup,on 26 November the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs,Karen Donfried,briefed reporters by phone,saying:
As you can appreciate,all options are on the table and there's a toolkit that contains a whole range of options.It's now for NATO to decide what are the next moves that NATO wants to take...we will talk about our assessment of what's happening on Russia's border with Ukraine and we will begin the conversation of what are the options on the table,and what it is that NATO would like to do together.*
NATO Seceretary General Jens Stoltenberg added that:
If Russia uses force against Ukraine,that will have costs,that would have consequences...This military buildup is unprovoked and unexplained.It raises tensions and it risks miscalculations...this is a miltary buildup by a country that has invaded Ukraine before.*
Latvia's Foreign Minister Artis Pabrik called for a US military deployment on Monday before the Foreign Ministerial began:
We need additional international assistance.We would like to have a permanent United States presence in our country.And sea and air defence means basically going down to such systems as Patriot (missiles)...We have revsionism at this moment going on in Russia (the desire to reconstitute the Soviet Union having been expressed by Russian President Vladimir Putin)...from that perspective,we cannot be late here.*
Meanwhile,NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia,led by Canada,was practising the defence of the Latvian capital,Riga,in a snowy Latvian forest at the Adazi Training Ground,simulating the disruption of an enemy advance from north of Riga.Exercise Winter Shield 2021 runs from 22 November to 4 December,developing the cooperation and cohesion needed to protect the Baltic Sea Region.A mechanised brigade of Latvia's Home Guard;Lithuanian Armed Forces;and US Army Europe troops are participating in the drills with the eFP Battle Group,which consists of Soldiers from Albania;Canada;Czech Republic;Italy;Iceland;Montenegro;Poland;Slovakia;Slovenia;and Spain.
Polish Foreign Affairs Minister Zbigniew Rau arrives at the ATTA Convention Centre for the meeting of NATO Foreign Affairs Ministers in Riga (Day 1)
Polish Foreign Affairs Minister arrives at the ATTA Convention Centre for the meeting of NATO Foreign Affairs Ministers in Riga (Day 1): Polish Foreign Affairs Minister Zbigniew Rau arrives at the ATTA Convention Centre for the meeting of NATO Foreign Affairs Ministers in Riga (Day 1)
1,000 National Guard Soldiers to Deploy to Africa as Mid East Wars Wind Down | Military.com
1,000 National Guard Soldiers to Deploy to Africa as Mid East Wars Wind Down | Military.com: It is unclear if the 1,000 Guardsmen is an increase in the Pentagon’s force in Africa, or if those troops are replacing others currently deployed.
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Russia Preparing for Possible Quick Strike on Ukraine
International concern is mounting about Russia's intentions for its persistent massing of troops and military equipment along the Ukrainian borders while criticising Ukrainian behaviour.According to Ukrainian military intelligence,there are now about 100,000 Russian troops assembled along Ukrainian territory.The Intelligence Community feels they are configured for a potential multi-pronged attack on Ukraine.A blitzkrieg,which is the German for "lightning war,"could begin with Russian artillery barrages and airstrikes,then be followed up by air assault,amphibious and infantry incursions.A blitzkrieg is a battle of annihilation by surprise attack including armoured or motorised infantry formations integrated with close air support.It dislocates and disorients the enemy with its constantly evolving fronts.*
On 22 November 2021,Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley,US Army,spoke by phone with his Ukrainian counterpart,Lieutenant General Valery Zaluzhny.CNN reported that the US may send military advisors to Ukraine,along with lethal aid such as Javelin anti-tank and anti-armour missiles;mortars;and Raytheon Stinger anti-aircraft missiles.It is even possible that the US will send Ukraine Mi-17 Russian-built helicopters that the Pentagon had originally purchased for the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces.*
Russia has robustly denied it is planning an invasion of Ukraine.Still,the US is briefing NATO Allies and Partners about Russia's force posture,which is sometimes shifting by night to evade detection,with much alarm and specificity,Ukrainian sources say.Indeed,the Ukrainian Defence Ministry notes that Russia is increasing the combat readiness of Russian-backed occupation forces in the tempoarily occupied territory of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in Eastern Ukraine.And Russia has been running large-scale command and staff exercises,including calling in reserves.The Russian Spetznaz special forces,GRU military intelligence and SVR foreign intelligence operatives have been activated along Ukraine's borders,US officials observed.
An attack could come in late January or early February,Ukrainian military intelligence assesses.The US would likely not choose to defend Ukraine from Russia in a direct way,since Ukraine is not a NATO Ally.It is not believed that the Armed Forces of Ukraine could prevail;but they could do some damage to the invaders.*
Raytheon Technologies Corp (RTX)
Friday, November 19, 2021
INDYCAR president honored to have The American Legion on board
INDYCAR president honored to have The American Legion on board: Jay Frye shares a sense of pride to see The American Legion join forces with INDYCAR, Chip Ganassi Racing and Jimmie Johnson.
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
US Army Europe - Rifle Forge: Forging new bonds
Rifle Forge: Forging new bonds: BPTA, Poland — Battle Group Poland held its culminating combined arms live-fire exercise, Rifle Forge, from Oct. 30 through Nov. 10 at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, integrating NATO fire capabilities.
Friday, November 12, 2021
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Land Forces Alert:New Russian Buildup Heightens Washington's Fears Over Ukraine
Since late September,Russian troops,tanks and artillery have been massing near Yelnya,Russia near Northern Ukraine.The move has Washington gravely concerned-so much so that CIA Director William Burns,who speaks Russian and was a former Ambassador to Russia,was sent to Moscow by US President Joseph R. Biden last week for talks with Kremlin officials.Mr.Burns spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone,telling him the US is seriously concerned about the irregular deployment,and probing the Kremlin's intentions for the bulked-up capability.Mr.Burns also met with Nikolai Patrushev,Secretary of Russia's Security Council and former head of the FSB,the Russian spy agency that succeeded the KGB,informing him the US was following the unusual miltary activity very closely.*
The massing of troops and firepower had begun following a Russia-Belarus joint exercise in the area.The elite 1st Guards Tank Army is among the tents,armoured units and support elements that were detected by a Maxar Technologies satellite.Photos of the buildup by the satellite were viewed by this blog.Forces of the 41st Combined Arms Army did not return to their base in Novosibirsk,Siberia after the drills with Belarus,and were augmented by even more troops.*
Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby,US Navy retired,said:
We're aware of public reports of unusual Russian military activity near Ukraine.We're going to continue to consult with Allies and Partners on this issue.As we've said before,any escalating or aggressive actions would be of great concern to the United States.*
Indeed,Ukraine's defence ministry noted that Russia has:
established a practise of transferring and accumulating military units for the purpose of maintaining tension in the region and political pressure on neighbouring countries.*
Some US officials are more concerned about this buildup than the one that occurred back in March,noting that Russia is configuring a capability to make a quiick strike against Ukraine.A congressional aide said:
With such a large buildup,Putin could order an invasion at any time and there would be very little warning.*
A european diplomat feels that the US is:
very,very concerned-this is the most concerned I've heard them about Russia in a long,long time.*
The Voice of America recalled that US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland had visited Moscow last month,but failed to resolve a dispute over the respective sizes of the US Embassy in Moscow and the Russian Embassy in Washington.There is also tension over Russian control over the natural gas supply to Ukraine and Europe for the coming winter,with fears that Russia will use natural gas to blackmail its neighbours.Some experts believe that Putin's ultimate aim may be to reabsorb Ukraine into Russia,given recent articles written by both him and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev disparaging Ukrainian statehood.*
Maxar Technologies Inc (MAXR)
Friday, November 5, 2021
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Air With Ground:US and Norwegian Forces Exercise in the Arctic - plus a Vast Manoeuvre Coming Up
On 1 November 2021,Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35 Lightning II fighters and two US Air Force B-1B Lancer strategic bombers exercised in the Arctic Region.The aircraft executed a joint targeting drill with Norwegian Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) on the ground.This key Allied capability requires constant practise to optimise communications and procedures,Allied Air Command said.The mission also tested integration and interoperability between the advanced fighter platform F-35S and the supersonic B-1Bs.Noted Commander Allied Air Command,General Jeff Harrigian,US Air Force:
Bomber Task Force missions optimise integration between NATO Allies while enhancing our response to threats throughout the Arctic.Combining fifth-generation assets with long-range strike capabilities strengthens our collective deterrence.*
The F-35 offers unparalleled command and control for battlespace awareness.Coupled with the strategic range of the B-1B and the ability to employ mixed forces,the F-35s provide a spectrum of options for Allied commanders,Allied Air Command observed.*
In 2022,Norwegian forces will lead a massive Arctic drill,Cold Response 2022.The Royal Norwegian Navy and Air Force will play the leading roles in CR 22,which will feature around 40,000 Allied troops.Indeed,it is to be the largest exercise inside the Arctic Circle since the 1980s,during the Cold War.The scenario of CR 22 is the reinforcement of Northern Norway in the Ofoten area,which is near Norway's Northern Brigade and several training areas used by NATO forces.Ofoten is considered to be strategically critical for the countering of a global crisis instigated by Russia.That is because it is only around 600 km/372.882 mi from Russia's nuclear submarines of its Northern Fleet,which is based on the Kola Peninsula.
Russia will be invited to observe the drills,in accordance with international norms.On a number of occasions,however,Russia has conducted missile firings in the region with little advance warning,just suddenly posting a NOTAM notice of an air hazard zone.
Friday, October 29, 2021
California post looking out for fellow veterans at risk
California post looking out for fellow veterans at risk: Redwood City Post 105 American Legion Family helps raise money for Palo Alto VA suicide-prevention program.
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Russia Stages Expansive Drills Off Crimea;US Responds With Bomber Mission
On 19 October 2021,Russia conducted expansive manoeuvres off the coast of Crimea,Ukraine,which Russia invaded and annexed in 2014.The drills,according to The Daily Mail,simulated an invasion.More than 40 warships;more 30 military aircraft;and some 20 helicopters took part in the occupation scenario.Missile launches;bombing runs;and amphibious landings left little to the imagination.In the past two decades,Russia has seized territory from both Ukraine and the Republic of Georgia.It has also sponsored many attacks by its proxy forces in Eastern Ukraine and recently staged massive troop movements along Ukraine's borders,intimidating its smaller neighbour.*
On 21 October,two US Air Force B-1B Lancer strategic bombers supported by two KC-135 stratotankers probed Russian air defences in the same Black Sea Region.They were intercepted by two Su-30 Flanker multirole fighters,which are capable of all-weather,air-to-air and air-to-ground deep strike missions.The Flankers escorted the Lancers out of the Russian Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) without incident.The B-1Bs had flown out of RAF Fairford,England as part of the current Bomber Task Force deployment in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.
Friday, October 22, 2021
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
China Launches New Threat,but the US Navy Builds Its Own
The Financial Times has reported that China had launched a hypersonic vehicle into space in July or August.The nuclear-capable weapon,capable of gliding to its target at over five times the speed of sound,was launched on an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile.It circled the Earth and then landed about 40 kilometers/25 miles from its target.Admiral James "Sandy" Winnefeld,US Navy retired,who was Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,said the test was an important surprise:
because it demonstrates the capability to have a very long reach hypersonic weapon that could cause a lot of damage without us able to do anyhting about it.China denied the report,saying it was actually a space vehicle sent up on a routine mission to develop reusable space vehicles.China has been known to use its space program to cloak other military projects,however.*
Hypersonic weapons,which may have conventional or nuclear warheads,are so fast and fly so low to the ground,they can be nearly impossible to detect.For its part,the US Navy is currently developing the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic weapon.It is intended to add strategic capability to the new Zumwalt-class destroyers and Virginia-class attack submarines.Launched on an 86.63 cm/34.5 in diameter rocket from launch tubes,it is to be deployed on the three Zumwalt-class destroyers by 2025,and on the Virginia-class submarines by 2028.New,larger launch tubes will have to be added to the Zumwalts in an Advanced Payload Module,since the existing 20 MK57 VLS modules with 80 launch cells are too narrow to accomodate the CPS.They are actually intended for the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile,Tomahawk cruise missile or Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Missile.*
Two of the three Zumwalt-class destroyers,the USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) and USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001),have so far been commissioned.The future Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002) has been launched and is being fitted out.The stealthy,heavily armed warships are built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works.*
General Dynamics (GD)
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
B-1Bs Arrive in Europe,Testing Agile Combat Deployment
On 6 October 2021,the first two of four US Air Force B-1B Lancer strategic bombers,together with their support equipment and some 200 personnelfrom the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Wing out of Dyess AFB,Texas arrived at RAF Fairford,England for a Bomber Task Force mission.The bombers were escorted by Royal Air Force fighter jets as they entered the theatre.The rotational mission will allow the bomber crews to deploy to unfamiliar airfields for integration with coalition Allies and Partners to enhance readiness.According to U.S. Air Forces Europe-Air Forces Africa Commander,General Jeff Harrigian:
BTF missions amplify our coalition reach and project our collective airpower across theaters.By training and integrating with our Allies and Partners,we are expanding our ability to adapt to challenges and counter adversaries in the global security environment.*
The bomber crews will fly the warplanes to strategic areas including the Arctic,Baltic Sea and Black Sea Regions,developing their skills to integrate and use the weapon systems to their maximum capacity.This is in the context of Russia's having made the Arctic a more contested region and strengthened its Anti-Access/Area-Denial capabilities in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad;the Baltics;occupied Crimea;and on the Black Sea,posing a heightened threat to NATO's Eastern Flank.
The Lancers are being deployed according to the Air Force's agile combat deployment concept.They will use ranges and conduct simulations from the high Arctic to the Horn of Africa,reducing reliance on traditional bases and shifting to dispersed forward operating locations,in accordance with the concept.
Our NATO Allies and Partners seek engagement with the B-1Bs to ensure they can counter any adversarial threat within the region.Strategic bomber missions within USAFE-AFAFRICA theatres demonstrate the ability to rapidly deploy with NATO Allies and coalition Partners,providing necessary training to the joint force,U.S. European Command noted.
Friday, October 8, 2021
Buddy Checks: a commitment to no veteran left behind
Buddy Checks: a commitment to no veteran left behind: American Legion National Commander Paul Dillard speaks before the NEC during annual Fall Meetings.
Marines, Special Ops Troops Secretly Deploying to Taiwan Amid China Tensions, Report Says | Military.com
Marines, Special Ops Troops Secretly Deploying to Taiwan Amid China Tensions, Report Says | Military.com: The news report came amid a record-setting number of Chinese military flights around the island.
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Air Force Begins Moving First Permanent F-35 Squadron into Europe | Military.com
Air Force Begins Moving First Permanent F-35 Squadron into Europe | Military.com: The 495th Fighter Squadron, which is also known as the Valkyries, was reactivated at the RAF Lakenheath base in England.
Friday, October 1, 2021
Eyeing Russia,Greece Seeks Increased US Military Presence
A new mutual defence cooperation pact between Greece and the US is to be signed by Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias on 14 October 2021 in Washington.The pact will reportedly include new basing for US Navy warships at a second naval base at Souda Bay,Crete to supplement the existing US Naval Support Activity Souda Bay.The new base will facilitate larger flotillas accessing the Eastern Mediterranean,which is a strategic goal of Greece.Athens is also seeking more US military operations in the Aegean Sea.It would like US air and naval bases to be set up on the island of Skyros in the heart of the Aegean,which would accomodate either rotational or permanent US forces,the Kathimerini newspaper reported.This would improve US access to the Black Sea Region,deemed critically important by NATO to combat Russia's malign influence in the region.*
Indeed,US Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt told the George C. Marshall Center-ELIAMED Seminar on Countering Malign Influence at the Armed Forces Club in Athens,Greece on 23 September 2021:
Here in Greece and worldwide,Russia continues to spread misinformation and sow discord inside our democracies.Russia's growing military presence in the Eastern Mediterrranean,from bases in Syria to Wagner mercenaries in Libya,is profoundly destabilising.We also oppose Russia's attempts to foment instability by breaking the unity of the Orthodox Church and manipulating energy resources to extract political concessions.*
On 27 September,Ambassador Pyatt met with Foreign Minister Dendias in Athens.According to the Foreign Ministry:
The meeting focused on the Greek-US strategic dialogue ahead of the planned visit of Foreign Minister Dendias in mid-October.*
A $30 Million US Army Command Hub in Defense Bill as Military Steps Up Presence in Poland | Military.com
A $30 Million US Army Command Hub in Defense Bill as Military Steps Up Presence in Poland | Military.com: A $30 million U.S. Army command and control headquarters in Poland is being proposed to support the military’s expansion in the country.
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Friday, September 24, 2021
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Strategic Sense:Royal Australian Navy Goes Nuclear
The announcement on 15 September 2021 that tha US,UK and Australia have formed a new trilateral defence cooperation activity known as AUKUS is being seen as a geopolitical milestone as well as a military juggernaut.Central to the pact is the US and UK's promise to enable Australia to build a fleet of nuclear attack submarines.Over the next 18 months,consultations will take place to firm up the new trilateral security partnership,which is a cooperative effort by scientists,industry and defence forces to help achieve the construction of the new submarines in Adelaide,Australia.One of the most complex and technically demanding projects in the world,it is an historic step to alleviate unmet strategic needs in the Indo-Pacific Region caused by the rising ambitions of a Communist China,which appeaers to be on a neo-Maoist course of strident nationalism under the personality cult of General Secretary Mr.Xi Jinping.Besides building military installations in the disputed South China Sea,China has recently been curtailing civil liberties in Hong Kong and threatening Taiwan's independence.*
Nuclear submarines have a far greater range and have higher speed than conventionally powered vessels.They can stay submerged for long periods of time,gathering critical intelligence- the unspoken capability of attack submarines.*
Over the next 18 months,there will be a consultation period to review the programme,which is aimed at maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific,ensuring that the lines of communication remain accessible to all.
Besides the submarine,there will be efforts to maintain and expand the partners' knowledge and capabilities in the fields of cybernetics and artificial intelligence.*
Former Director of National Intelligence Lieutenant General James Clapper,US Air Force Retired,told CNN:
It's a very bold step for the Australian Government and people to take...given the dependence of Australia on China for its economy.It means better preparation for,God forbid,a hostile situation.More importantly,it means deterrence.*
It's possible that the new submarine,using the American nuclear propulsion first shared with the UK for British attack submarines,may be based on the US Navy's Virginia-class attack submarine and/or the new British attack submarine design that is currently in work.BWX Technologies of Lynchburg,Virginia has manufactured US Navy nuclear propulsion components since the 1950s.*
The programme signals another milestone in the renewed focus on great power competition.*
General Dynamics (GD),Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII),BAE Systems (OTCM:BAESF),BWX Technologies Inc (BWXT)
Friday, September 17, 2021
DHS Briefing Warns of Potential Violence at DC Rally
A Depratment of Homeland Security briefing to state and local law enforcement agencies stressed the possibility of violence at the "Justice for J6" protest rally based on its intelligence assessment.Officers from Montgomery County,Maryland;Arlington County,Virginia;and Fairfax County,Virginia have been deputised to assist the US Capitol Police at the event on 18 September 2021.As well,the Pentagon has put the D.C. National Guard on standby for a quick response,if needed.*
Capitol fencing was put up by construction crews overnight from Wednesday to Thursday.They also added temporary surveillance cameras to the setup.The fencing is buttressed by concrete jersey barriers to make it sturdier and deter ramming by motor vehicles.*
The DHS briefing noted that online chatter indicated possible violence not only on the eighteenth,but the seventeenth as well.There was talk of storming the Capitol and the kidnapping of a specific member of Congress.Lone wolves and small groups can mobilise quickly and without warning,the briefing cautioned.*
The DHS Transportation Security Administration will bulk up security at Washington area airports this weekend by deploying canine teams.In addition,the Capitol Police and the TSA are upgrading protection of members of Congress.*
Several state capitals across the country are also possible targets for extremist activity over the weekend.*
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Homeland Security Update:Emergency Declared by Capitol Police
The U.S. Capitol Police have declared an emergency for 18 September 2021,the date of the right wing Justice For J6 protest rally near the Capitol.The declaration allows USCP to request aid from its partner agencies,if needed.On Monday,Chief Thomas Manger delivered a briefing to the Congressional leadership in Speaker Nacy Pelosi's office.He said he shared the intelligence they'd been receiving,as well as something about their operational planning.The reinstallation of security fencing around the capitol has been approved by the Capitol Police Board.It will be put up a day or two before the rally and taken down very soon afterwards,if all goes well,Chief Manger said.*
About midnight on Monday,the Capitol Police arrested a man-Daniel Craighead,44,of Oceanside,California-who was sitting in his Dodge Dakota pickup truck parked near the Democratic National Committee Headquarters.He said he was "on patrol" and was arrested for possessing illegal weapons including knives,a machete and bayonet,which police found in his truck.He also spouted white supremacist rhetoric,and his truck was covered inside and out with neo-Nazi graffiti such as swastikas.*
The USCP is preparing for the possibility of violent clashes at the rally,which is registered for 700 people,and may also be attended by counterprotesters.
Pacific Perspective:North Korea Tests New Threat to Allied Forces
On 11-12 September 2021,North Korea sucessfully tested a new long-range cruise missile.The missiles flew a figure 8 pattern and crashed into the sea after about a two-hour flight.The state news agency article appered on page 2 and included photos.Pyongyang claims the missiles can hit targets more than 930 miles away,putting US and South Korean troops well within range of the new weapon.North Korea is allowed to develop such jet-powered missiles by the UN,which only forbids the hostile regime of Kim Jong Un to conduct ballistic missile development.
The missile has been in development for two years,and South Korea believes the story about it was credible.As for South Korea,it recently tested a Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM).
The North Korean cruise missile,which is possibly nuclear capable,was depicted launching from a truck.It could pose a complex threat to Allied Forces,enabling the North to conduct an attack on them from all directions with a mix of ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as substantial artillery assets.
The US has about 28,000 troops in South Korea and conducts periodic wargames with South Korean forces.
Friday, September 10, 2021
Homeland Security Alert:Capitol Fencing Likely To Be Reinstalled
In light of a protest rally scheduled for 18 September 2021 in front of the U.S. Capitol,and the intelligence reports concerning it,security fencing around the Capitol is likely to be reinstalled soon,according to an official source.The rally is set to protest the holding of "poitical prisoners" who participated in the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol,which aimed to halt the Constitutional legislative process of certifying the election of President Joseph R. Biden.More than 600 insurrectionists have been charged,with more than 165 facing serious charges for assaulting police.The charges were at least partly based on video evidence drawn from more than 15,000 hours of footage.This time around,the fencing may have a smaller footprint and not block traffic.It was originally erected in the tense days leading up to President Biden's inauguration on 20 January.
The US Capitol Police under Chief Thomas Manger have reportedly been conducting exercises in preparation for the event.In recent days,rhetoric surrounding the rally has become noticeably violent,an internal Capitol Police memo examined by CNN indicated.There is particular agitation over the fatal shooting on January 6 of rioter Ashli Babbitt by Lieutenant Michael Byrd of the Capitol Police,who has been officially cleared of wrongdoing in the incident.Lt.Byrd said he shot Babbitt,who had launched herself through a window of the House chamber,because:
She was posing a threat to the House of Representatives.*
The Capitol Police Board has the final say about the fencing,but is expected to approve the measure.The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under Chief Robert Contee has also been put on heightened alert for the protest,with all leave being canceled,and other area law enforcement partners have reportedly been recruited to assist,if needed.*
Representative Pete Aguilar (D-California) explained that:
We're fearful for the Capitol community,everyone around Capitol Hill.*
As for Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-California,she thinks that:
Clearly there is a better plan,more organisation for this event than the last one...We hope to be very prepared.*
Indeed,House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has invited the congressional leaders to her office for a 13 September full leadership briefing on the protest by Chief Manger.
The organiser,former Trump campaign operative Matt Braynard,expects about 500 people to participate in the "Justice for J6 " rally.
American Legion honors victims from 9/11 Pentagon attack
American Legion honors victims from 9/11 Pentagon attack: 184 souls were lost when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m.
Tuesday, September 7, 2021
What's Trending in Aerospace - September 5, 2021 - Aviation Today
What's Trending in Aerospace - September 5, 2021 - Aviation Today: Check out the Sept. 5 edition of What's Trending in Aerospace, covering the latest headlines occurring across the global aerospace industry.
Friday, September 3, 2021
B-2 Spirits Deployed to Iceland
B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from the US Air Force's 131st and 509th Bomb Wings have deployed to Keflavik Air Base,Iceland from Whiteman AFB,Missouri in support of Bomber Task Force Europe.During their mission,they are building strategic relationships critical for timely and coordinated responses when needed,Whiteman AFB said.The Northrop Grumman aircraft are being crewed by Airmen with the Missouri Air National Guard.
In the course of their mission,the B-2s have performed their first integration with Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft,strengthening our shared commitment to global security and stability.They also integrated with US Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa F-15C Eagle fighters out of RAF Lakenheath,England,who provided escort to the bombers.
Indeed,the F-15s,Typhoons and B-2s flew a training sortie over the North Sea,enhancing enduring skills and relationships with NATO Allies and regional Partners.They thus are reinforcing goals of remaining flexible and agile for rapid response capabilities towards any potential crisis or challenge across the globe.*
While long responsive to Russian aggression and Islamist extremism,NATO is currently developing its approach to Chinese challenges as well.*
Northrop Grumman (NOC)
Monday, August 30, 2021
From Past to Future:the CIA in Afghanistan
On 26 August 2021,a large CIA compound in Kabul was destroyed by US forces in a controlled demolition that reverberated across the city.Eagle Base was,at the very least,a training facility where Afghan counterterrorism personnel were trained.The demolition was deemed necessary because of the large amount of sensitive hard drives and equipment on the base.Yet,although the base's downfall was spectacular,it far from ended the CIA's concern about Afghanistan.
Although US military operations in Afghanistan will end tomorrow,the CIA is considering how it will operate in the region in the future.This was made an acute problem when the recent ISIL-K attack that killed 11 US Marines,a US Navy corpsman and a US Army Special Forces member,pointed up the threat posed by Islamist extremist groups in Afghanistan to US and Allied interests now the US military is leaving.According to Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby,US Navy retired:
We still believe there are credible specific threats.*
Indeed,a rocket attack on Hamid Karzai International Airport launched from a vehicle occurred on 29 August,but was repulsed by the US Counter-Rocket Artillery and Mortar System (CRAM),which returned fire.After 31 August,the airport comes under Taliban control and all US diplomats will have departed the airport.Just how HKIA will continue to operate and be defended from ISIL-K terrorists remains to be seen;but perhaps this was covered when new CIA Director William Burns flew to Kabul to meet with the Taliban political leader,Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.*
According to The New York Times,the CIA is busy looking for new bases in Central Asian countries,because it needs to ascertain how its Clandestine Service,which runs spy networks, will collect Human Intelligence (HUMINT) without the US military and diplomatic bases it had access to in Afghanistan over the past 20 years;and where it will launch its fleet of Predator drones from to carry out counterterror strikes.At least 19 CIA officers died in the Afghan War,the last one being a former US Marine reconnaissance expert killed in May of 2019.*
About 1200 people have been evacuated from HKIA over the past 24 hours,bringing the total Operation Allies Refuge evacuations to about 122,300.Some 250 Americans remain who wish to be spirited out of the country,not to mention thousands of key Afghans.The CIA has reportedly been helping with covert rescue missions,as have US veterans groups.
In addition to using its own land,air and sea special operators,another possibility for the Agency is to oversee US military Special Operations Forces detailed to certain CIA activities,as they had been during the operation to find and kill Osama bin Laden,the New York Times added.*
Friday, August 27, 2021
Afghan War:General McKenzie Carries On
On 26 August 2021,General Kenneth McKenzie,US Marine Corps,Commander,US Central Command,gave a virtual briefing to journalists gathered at the Pentagon on the terrorist attack at HKIA in Kabul and continuance of the US military mission in Afghanistan.In the suicide bombing and firefight claimed by the Islamist extremist ISIL-K (another word for Islamic State)organisation,13 US troops were killed in action,including 10 US Marines,a US Navy hospital corpsman,and two other as of yet unidentified military members;18 other service members were wounded-some of them critically.There were also at least 60 Afghan civilians killed and 140 wounded.General McKenzie explained that the attack occurred at the Abbey Gate,which requires physical contact with those seeking to enter the airport.At such interface points,there's no substitute for a young man or woman to search a person.Ultimately,Americans have to do the searches.There's just no substitute for it.There's no way you can do that from a distance.If a person were to carry a bomb on a plane,there could be massive loss of life.
We have extremely active threat streams against the airport,tactical streams that threaten rocket attacks;Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (both small and large vehicles);and suicide walkers wearing an explosive vest.
To counter the threats,we have the necessary troops to protect ourselves with anti-rocket and mortar systems;MQ-9 and other UAVs;F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters and AC-130 gunships;as well ss AH-64 Apache helicopters on the ground and aircraft overhead with thermal imaging systems.All of these are being deployed.
We've reached out to the Taliban,telling them they need to push out the perimeter.They have a practical reason to cooperate:they want us out of the country.They've been useful to work with going forward.
We thought this would happen sooner or later.The general went on:
I think we can continue to conduct our mission.The plan was designed to maximise our mission even as we bgin to reconfigure ourselves and defend ourselves.The plan is designed to operate under stress and we intend to do that.We believe it is their desire to continue their attaclks and we expect them to do so.We have established contact with our evacuees and are directing them along various routes to get to the airport.These have been conducted by our JTACS (Joint Terminal Attack Controllers) very effectively.
We don't know that they have manpads that can take our aircraft down.Wewatch that keenly to protect our aircraft.With our ISR (Intelligence,Surveillance and Reconnaissance) we look closely to see if there might be something to target our aircraft.*
In the past 24 hours,12,500 more people have been evacuated.
Monday, August 23, 2021
Operation Allies Refuge:Airport Firefight Erupts With Unknown Assailants
On 23 August 2021,a firefight with unknown assailants broke out at the German gate of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.One Afghan guard was killed and three others wounded.There are about 600 former members of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces now serving as guards at the airport.German and US troops also took part in the hostilities,but sustained no casualties.It is possible the assailants were members of ISIL-K,the Afghanistan branch of Islamic State,as the US has warned of an IS threat to the airport over recent days.
On 22 August,US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that:
the threat is real,accute and persistent...We are working hard with our Intelligence Community to isolate,to determine where such an attack might come from.*
Indeed,US President Joseph R. Biden said from the Roosevelt Room at the White House yesterday:
I'm not going to talk about the tactical changes that we're making to keep the airport as secure as we can.I don't want to get into the details.We've changed the gate operations and a whole range of things.*
The Taliban have agreed to having a larger safety zone around HKIA.*
On 20 August,Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby,US Navy retired,noted that:
Al-Qaida is a presence as well as ISIS (another name for Islamic Stae).We believe there isn't a presence of al-Qaida significant enough to pose a threat to the homeland.Obviously,we're going to maitain an overwatch capability.We do believe we'll be able to maintain a warning sufficient for counterterrorism.
The secretary's not going to rule anything in out in order to get done what we have to do there.Now we've built up extra capacity in the past few days,the secretary feels we can accomplish the mission...We have flown in additiobal forces,so if there would be a need,we would examine those options and offer up options to the secretary.Every decision that has to be made has to weigh the risks and the benefits.If the secretary were to make a major muscle movement,he would want to ask the White House.*
There have been reports of US helicopters flying out of the airport to pick up people from multiple locations,but Mr.Kirby said:
I cannot confirm those reports.*
According to CNN Senior International Correspondent Sam Kiley,the US is using secret methods to bring people into the airport.Reportedly,sensitive operations may be underway to rescue key individuals.President Biden had revealed yesterday that we have evacuated nearly 28,000 people since 14 August.*
Friday, August 20, 2021
Afghan War:NATO Airport Mission Gets Name
The current operation under US Forces Afghanistan-Forward,which is commanded by Rear Admiral Peter Vasely,US Navy,has been named Operation Allies Refuge.Its status has also been elevated to that of a Non-combatant Rescue Operation,or NEO.Indeed,it is considered the second largest NEO ever conducted,according to General Mark Milley,US Army,Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.US President Joseph R. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been getting special intelligence briefings on the operation daily form Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and General Milley.
During an 18 August 2021 breifing for journalists at the Pentagon,SecDef Austin said:
This is a war I fought in and led.We have a moral obligation to help those who helped us.*
General Milley added that:
Currently,the security situation at the airport is stable.The Taliban are facilitating access to the airport by passport-carrying US citizens.We in uniform have a deep commitment.*
General Milley went on to note that among the forces at the airport are a battalion from the Minnesota National Guard;two US Marine Corps battalions;an 82nd Airborne Division Headquarters and infantry personnel-all of which amount to 20 US manoeuvring companies on the ground at the Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA)in Kabul.As well,a number of fighter aircraft,such as F/A-18 Super Hornets;F-16 Fighting Falcons;AV-8 Harriers;AC-130 gunships;and MQ-9 intelligence and attack UAVs,are flying armed overwatch missions over the airport to protect the US and NATO forces at the airport.There are also B-52H Stratofortress bombers available in Qatar for missions.On the ground,British Army rifle companies and Special Operations Forces are working with the US forces.Also involved are troops from Turkey,France and Hungary.There are 20 sorties by US Air Force C-17 Globemaster transport jets every 24 hours,and a variety of commercial and charter flights are active.General Milley stressed that unexpected challenges can be and are expected.*
In the past 24 hours (19-20 August),the operation has evacuated 3,000 individuals,350 of them American.*
At the briefing the day before,General Austin revealed to the reporters that:
I don't have the capability to go into Kabul.*
Despite that,ccording to General Milley:
Right now,there's a steady flow of people.*
It is clear to this blog,however,that conditions around the HKIA perimeter remain chaotic,dangerous,and tend to hinder access-especially by Afghans.Taliban militants have committed violent acts against some of the refugees.Dead bodies are sometimes seen on the ground.There is a real risk of being trampled at the gates,and without enough troops to mount rescue operations into Kabul itself,nor the authorisation to engage in the combat operations that would no doubt ensue,there seems little chance to smooth the passageway into HKIA without Taliban acquiescence.*
Fortunately,President Biden indicated to ABC News that he is open to extending the operation beyond the original 31 August deadline.*
Friday, August 13, 2021
Fortress Kabul:Thousands of Marines and Soldiers Going In
Since last Friday,the Taliban Islamist extremisits have taken over at least 16 provincial capitals in Afghanistan,including Herat,the country's third largest city,and Mazar-i-Sharif,the capital of Northern Afghanistan.The status of Kandahar,the second largest city,was unclear at this writing,but at the very least,Taliban militants had breached the perimeter yeaterday,causing chaos as small groups of them fired weapons near the Governor's palace.This blitzkrieg so alarmed US officials,including Secretary of State Antony Blinken,Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley,US Army,they devised a military plan to evacuate US diplomats and as many as possible of the Afghan friends of the US who served as interpreters,contractors and in other roles to assist the US Forces-Afghanistan.These friends number in the tens of thousands,by some estimates.The plan was presented to US President Joseph R. Biden yesterday,who authorised the operation,which has no name as of yet.The fresh troops will arrive in 24-48 hours and consist of:
Two US Marine Corps battalions and a US Army battalion,totaling 3,000 troops,who will be based at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul;
an Army and Air Force support element numbering 1,000 troops to be stationed in Qatar,but who can be relocated as needed;they are to process our Afghan friends for eventual resettlement in the US;
an Infantry Brigade Combat Team numbering 3500 troops of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg,North Carolina,who are to fly to Kuwait and wait there to assist in the evacuation from Kabul if needed.*
The three battalions of Marines and Soldiers were already in the US CENTCOM Area of Responsibility.They will be armed with mortars,machine guns and personal weapons for self-defence,according to Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby,US Navy retired.*
The ANDSF were plagued by poor lines of communication,including inadequate logistics;a loss of confidence following the announcement of the US withdrawal;and the tribal culture of the country,coupled with a weak,corrupt and incompetent central government under President Ashraf Ghani.*
Mr.Kirby declined to specify when the evacuation operation would conclude.About 1400 US diplomats reportedly remain in country,down from the original 4,000.They will be reduced further to a core group capable of carrying out a range of diplomatic functions,and,indeed,the US Embassy may even be relocated to the international airport to facilitate swifter evacuation if necessary.*
An anonymous official said that Kabul could fall to the militants in as little as thirty days,but other observers believe it could fall even sooner.In the event of militant attacks on the evacuation,the operation could be designated a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO).*
Mr.Kirby also said that we will be ready to help our NATO Allies if they desire it and they decide they need to further reduce their footprints in Afghanistan.Both military and civilian aircraft may be used in the evacuation process.*
Friday, August 6, 2021
Friday, July 30, 2021
Orbital Flight Test-2: Crew and Science Briefing - includes US Marine Corps Astronaut LtCol Nicole Mann - note:the OFT-2 mission has had to be rescheduled to 3 August 2021 at the earliest because of an accidental firing of the thrusters of the newly arrived Roscosmos (Russian) Nauka laboratory module,which briefly caused the ISSto shift position.
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
US Continues Combat Air Role in Afghanistan - plus the future of the Iraq Mission
According to GEN Kenneth McKenzie,US Marine Corps,Commander,US Central Command:
We have increased airstrikes against the Taliban in support of Afghan forces over the past several days,and we are prepared to continue this heightened support in the coming weeks if the Taliban continue their attacks.Taliban victory is not inevitable.*
In addition,the US will continue giving the Afghan Air Force logistical support following the withdrawal of all US and foreign forces as of 31 August 2021.*
Meanwhile,about 900 US troops,including some in Infantry Figthing Vehicles, continue to support Operation Inherent Resolve against Islamic State militants in Syria.With regard to Iraq,US President Joseph R. Biden received Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi at the White House yesterday.The two leaders discussed the ongoing strategic dialogue between the two countries,which includes health care;climate change;energy;strengthening Iraqi democracy;and security cooperation-especially our shared fight against ISIS (another word for Islamic State) and our counterterrorism effort.*
President Biden noted that:
Today our relations are stronger than ever.I think things are going well.Our troops will continue to train,to assist,to help,and to deal with ISIS as it arises.*
Mr.Biden announced that the 2500 US troops in Iraq will no longer be in a combat role after the end of 2021,however.Indeed,it has been some time since they exercised such a function.NATO has a separate training mission in Iraq as well.*
The Iraqi Security Forces still need more training.What is more,they need the intelligence support that the US troops provide through their presence in Iraq,observed CNN correspondent Arwa Damon.*
Thursday, July 15, 2021
Change of Command:General Miller Relinquishes Afghanistan Command
On 12 July 2021,GEN Austin "Scott" Miller,US Army, turned over the colours of United States Forces-Afghanistan to GEN Kenneth McKenzie,US Marine Corps,Commander US Central Command,in a ceremony in the Afghan capital,Kabul.The event signified the effective end of US military involvement in the Afghan War,which began in 2001 following the 9-11 attacks.GEN Miller,60,was the longest-serving general officer in the Afghan War,having assumed his post as US and NATO Resolute Support commander in Afghanistan in 2018.He had previously served in Iraq and the Battle of Mogadishu.He is expected to retire shortly.
On 14 July,GEN Miller was welcomed home at Joint Base Andrews,Maryland by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin abd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff GEN Mark Milley,US Army.He then met with US President Joseph R. Biden,who thanked him for his years of exemplary service.
least 95% of US Forces have already left Afghanistan.Some 650 US Marines will remain in Kabul to provide US Embassy security.*
Before departing Kabul,GEN Miller had told ABC News that:
The loss of territory (to the Taliban militants) and the rapidity of the loss has to be concerning.*
All US combat troops are to be out of Afghanistan by 31 August 2021.An over-the-horizon (out of country) counterterror capability is being developed for use as needed in the Southwest Asian nation.This could include CIA Predator drone strikes and possibly involve the CIA's Ground Branch paramiltary operatives,who were the first US Forces to arrive in Afghanistan in 2001.*
Many districts in the country's rugged Northeast have reportedly fallen to the Taliban recently,with Afghan National Defence and Security Forces surrendering or fleeing to neighbouring Central Asian contries.Other districts have been retaken by the ANDSF.It is believed that the ANDSF are strong enough to protect Kabul itself at this time,given their airpower and 30,000 Special Operations Forces.
Friday, July 9, 2021
Air Force Releases a New Peek at the Stealthy B-21 Raider | Military.com
Air Force Releases a New Peek at the Stealthy B-21 Raider | Military.com: Officials have said first deliveries should begin in the mid-2020s, but have been careful not to broadcast too many details.
Friday, July 2, 2021
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Saturday, June 12, 2021
Thursday, June 3, 2021
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Orion Program Update:Progress Report for May
Progress in getting Orion into deep space on the Artemis 1 and 2 missions continued in May.On 14 May, the twin boosters of the Space Launch System rocket were ready to be mated with the Artemis 1 SLS Core Stage; while the Orion crew module and European Service Module were in launch processing.Finally, the Lockheed Martin Orion spacecraft will be stacked on top of the Boeing Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage.The ICPS has an Aerojet Rocketdyne RL 10 engine that will propel Orion toward its lunar destination at a speed of over 24,000 miles an hour/38,624.2 kilometers an hour.
The Orion spacecraft and ICPS are currently being fueled and serviced in the Multi-Payload Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center.Once Orion has been fueled,it will move to the Launch Abort System Facility for integration with its Launch Abort System, while the ICPS will move to the Vehicle Assembly Building for stacking on the mobile launcher.*
On 18 May, the first Artemis 1 mission simulation was held by the Mission Management Team and the NASA Orion team.They simulated flight day 16,in which the Orion spacecraft makes ready to exit its distant retrograde orbit 40,000 miles beyond the Moon.
Artemis 1 will be the first uncrewed integrated test of the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket later this year.The spacecraft will travel over 1.3 million miles/2,092,147.2 kilometers to a point well past
the Moon and back to Earth, checking out the flight hardware and software for safety.The Apollo Program launched a similar uncrewed shakedown mission.*
Stacking and assembly of the Core Stage of the Space Launch System rocket for Artemis 2, the first crewed mission on the Orion spacecraft, continued at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana on 27 May.Teams connected the forward skirt with the liquid oxygen tank and intertank hardware.
Earlier,on 21 May, the fourth and final splash test of the Orion crew module for the Artemis 2 mission took place at NASA Langley Research Center, Virginia.The crew module was dropped into the hydro impact basin at 41 mph/65.9 kmh in order to gather critical data, helping to prepare for the crewed mission by showing researchers what splashdown will be like for the crew and capsule.
Orion Program Program Manager Catherine Koerner tweeted that:
The drop test program validates computer models, giving us confidence that we will bring the crew home safely after their journey around the Moon on Artemis 2.*
Launch for Artemis 1 has been set for 4 November 2021. Artemis 2 will be launched no earlier than September 2023.Artemis 3 will be the first crewed lunar landing mission since the 1970s,and seems doubtful to be launched before 2025, given uncertain funding in the current financial climate.*
Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings (AJRD), Boeing (BA), Lockheed Martin (LMT)
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Steadfast Defender 2021:Looking to Reinforce Europe and Quickly Respond to Attacks
Currently underway is flagship NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender 2021, focused on securing the Atlantic to enable reinforcement of Europe by North American NATO Allies.In the drills,F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters, Cyber and Space capabilities, and warships from 11 countries will demonstrate their ability to secure the strategic lines of communication across the Atlantic Ocean from Seabed to Space.Participants include the HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group and the US Navy Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, making up some of the 17 warships,80 aircraft and 15,000 troops from the more than 20 Allies taking part.More than 650 pieces of equipment will also be used to enact the Article V scenario of an attack on one being an attack on all.SD 2021 will improve NATO'S capability to respond collectively to an attack, refecting NATO'S resolve to deter and defend across the entire Euro-Atlantic continuum by practising military mobility to and throughout Europe.*
Key to the drills are two new NATO commands:Joint Support and Enabling Command (logistics),or JSEC,out of Ulm, Germany, and the Atlantic-oriented Joint Force Command Norfolk,or JFCNF, out of Norfolk, Virginia.SD 2021 brings North America and Europe together in today's more challenging threat environment.Both JFCNF and the U.S. 2nd Fleet are under the command of VADM Andrew Lewis,US Navy.
The dynamic NATO maritime live exercise phase (LIVEX) began off the coast of Portugal on 20 May.It posits the rapid reinforcement of NATO'S European Allies by North American forces.VADM Lewis explained that:
This challenging mission serves to demonstrate the unity of NATO Allies and our readiness to deter conflict and aggression.It showcases our abilities,as an Alliance, to maintain freedom of navigation, rule of law and to effectively deter adversaries around the globe.*
The drills are a test of NATO'S capability to move large numbers of troops, equipment and supplies across the Atlantic and Europe in response to the Article V scenario.A prompt deployment of forces from North America, their movement across the European continent, and the integration of multinational troops will strengthen the readiness and deterrence posture of Allied Command Operations,JFCNF said.The serialised programme over the course of two weeks will allow Allied submarines, surface ships and aircraft to work together in a dynamic environment, preparing them for challenging, high-end operations against near-peer competitors.. Command and control platform for the LIVEX is the USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), with the embarked U.S. 2nd Fleet staff under RADM Steve Waddell, Royal Canadian Navy,who is Vice Commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet.RADM Waddell noted that:
The USS Mount Whitney plays a pivotal role with its communications capability.Second Fleet's role as the MCC (Maritime Component Commander) for the exercise demonstrates the United States' ironclad commitment to NATO, and the U.S.'s dedication to further revitalize its relationship with the Alliance.*
The USS Mount Whitney is a Blue Ridge-class amphibious command ship, normally serving as flagship of U.S. 6th Fleet.It has a complement of 150 enlisted personnel,12 officers and 150 Civilian Mariners of the US Navy Military Sealift Command (MSC).The vessel can receive, process and transmit large amounts of secure data from any point on Earth through HF,UHF,VHF,SHF and EHF means, enabling Mount Whitney's Joint Intelligence Center to gather and fuse critical information while underway.She incorporates various elements of the most advanced Command, Control, Communications, Computer and Intelligence (C4I) equipment, giving the embarked Joint Task Force Commander the capability to effectively command widely dispersed air, ground and maritime units in an integrated fashion,U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet said.*
Part 2 of the Exercise involves the enablement of Supreme Allied Commander Europe AOR, Military Mobility and the Deployment of the NATO Response Force.The NRF is a high readiness and technologically advanced multinational force comprised of land,air, maritime and Special Operations Forces components.It can be deployed quickly anywhere it is required by security challenges ranging from crisis management to collective defence.
Within the NRF is a spearhead force, the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF). The NRF is part of NATO'S Readiness Action Plan to improve responsiveness to changes in the security environment and strengthen collective defence.SACEUR is commander of the NRF, but it can only be deployed by the North Atlantic Council, NATO'S highest level political authority.*
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Joint Warrior 21-1:NATO Readies for Crisis and Conflict
Joint Warrior 21-1 is currently wrapping up.The UK-led NATO exercise began 8 May and ends on 20 May.It has involved 31 ships, three submarines,150 aircraft and about 13,400 troops, including approximately 1500 ground troops, drilling off the coasts of Northern and Western Scotland and on ranges across the country. Nations participating are NATO members Denmark; France; Germany; Latvia; the Netherlands; Norway; Poland; Portugal; the UK; the US;and Partner Australia.*
Air bases involved include RAF Lossiemouth, Prestwick Airport and Stornoway Airport.There have been joint firing drills at Cape Wrath Weapon Range,Garvie Island and the QinetiQ Hebrides Range.GPS denial operations took place off Western Scotland, The Northern Times reported.*
The wargames reflected a broad range of crisis and conflict situations with real-world operational relevance.The JW 21-1 scenario posits a period of increasing political and military tensions.It will highlight intelligence-gathering and reconnaissance;anti-smuggling and counterterrorism operations; humanitarian assistance and evacuation operations.The exercise included a fast small boat drill for both civilian and military watercraft in the North Minch area off the Scottish coast.*
JW 21-1 is linked with Exercise Strike Warrior-21, which certifies the UK Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group for deployment.Immediately the drills end,QECSG will go on a seven month deployment from the Atlantic to the Indo-Pacific following a stop at its homeport,Portsmouth.The CSG includes Netherlands and US warships,as well as a squadron of US Marine Corps F-35B Joint Strike Fighters.*
Over the course of JW 21-1,high readiness warfighting capabilities were exercised across sea and air units in coordinated joint operations,Allied Maritime Command noted. The realistic,multi-threat scenarios were an opportunity for NATO and Australia to deploy their formations,units and staffs in collective training in preparation for any upcoming joint deployments that may arise, enhancing their responsiveness to deploy high-readiness military forces to conduct coordinated joint operations against current and future threats,in support of the NATO Readiness Initiative.
During its deployment, the QECSG will showcase its flexibility and ability to act at all levels allowing political, diplomatic and military options.The Carrier Strike activity demonstrates power projection over large distances with its unparalleled combat capability, and are a critical element of NATO deterrence.*
At one point, Task Group simulated a belligerent naval adversary for the UKCSG according to the fictional JW 21-1 exercise scenario.During the free-play phase of JW 21-1,units reacted to unscripted events as they happened and interacted with the UKCSG opposition forces in a variety of realistic operational scenarios.*
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Pacific Perspective:Northern Edge 21
From 3-14 May 2021,U.S. Pacific Air Forces is leading Exercise Northern Edge 21.The biannual drills are bringing together a massive joint force of some 15,000 US troops, including six US Navy warships and 240 aircraft,as well as US Army and Marine Corps units.The joint field training exercise draws military personnel from various bases in Alaska and beyond.Under U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the drills are intended to provide high-end, realistic warfighting training; develop and improve joint interoperability; and enhance combat readiness of all involved.This is achieved by providing a venue for large force and multi-domain operations; tactical training for the full spectrum of conflict; execution and advancement of adaptive basing joint tactics ,techniques and procedures; advancement of live-virtual-constructive capabilities;
and support of USI-PC's experimental initiatives,USPAF said.*
According to COL Mike Boyer,USPAF NE 21 lead planner:
Typically, training happens within your units...but you never really get the volume or the complexity you would expect to see in a modern day conflict.NE 21 allows the joint force to put all the pieces of the puzzle together in the big picture and allows our younger generation within the armed forces to experience what future conflict could feel like in the complexities associated with it.*
Among large units taking part are the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11); the Makin Island Amphibious Readiness Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit;Army 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne);25th Infantry Division, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska;17th Field Artillery Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord,Washington;3rd Expeditionary Air and Space Task Force;53rd Wing,Eglin AFB, Florida; and various total force mobility assets.This firepower makes NE 21 Alaska's largest military training exercise, featuring both virtual and live participation.The service members are conducting training over the huge Joint Pacific Area Alaska Range Complex, the Gulf of Alaska, and the temporary maritime activities area.*
Both of the Air Force's newly delivered F-15EX fighter aircraft will participate in the drills, allowing immediate deep-end testing in a complex jamming environment.The jamming environment will include GPS, radar and Link 16 jamming.
The other main goal is to assess the F-15EX's interoperability with fourth and fifth generation assets, putting the aircraft in its designated role.So far, the warplane is performing admirably, the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron indicated.Evaluating the advanced cockpit system; large area displays;new helmet and digital Helmet Mounted Cueing System; the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System, which defends both the Eagle and other joint fourth and fifth generation platforms,are all being worked.*
The Air Force Times pointed out that NE 21 is practise for how the US might react if tensions in the Arctic boil over.The Russian provocative flights near Alaskan air space last year reached levels not seen since the Cold War.
COL Boyer explained:
We are looking at what modern warfare could be in the future, and that includes scenarios like incursion into US air space.*
Challenges of NE 21 include the snap setting up of a Command and Control centre in a school building; and testing the Air Force's new Agile Combat Employment concept of dispersing aircraft to austere, remote airstrips such as King Salmon, Alaska, the location of Katmai National Park and Preserve; and Cold Bay in the Aleutian Islands.*
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
DHS Creates New Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships and Additional Efforts to Comprehensively Combat Domestic Violent Extremism
DHS Creates New Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships and Additional Efforts to Comprehensively Combat Domestic Violent Extremism: Building on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to combating all forms of terrorism and targeted violence, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced today that DHS has established a new Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) to improve the Department’s ability to combat terrorism and targeted violence, consistent with privacy protections, civil rights and civil liberties, and other applicable laws.
Saturday, May 8, 2021
Thursday, May 6, 2021
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
DEFENDER-Europe 21:Building Blocks for Combat Ops
The largest NATO exercise of the year, DEFENDER-Europe 21 has begun its active phase in the port of Durres, Albania in the Western Balkans Region of Europe.The initial activity is a Joint
Logistics Over the Shore Operation Albania joined NATO in 2009,
and NATO Partner and aspirant Bosnia-Herzegovina and member Croatia from the same region are also participants in D-E 21.After the Western Balkans, the drills shift to the Eastern Balkans of Bulgaria and Romania plus Estonia in the Baltic States,then on to nations such as Germany and Hungary.*
So D-E 21 began with the arrival last week of USNS Bob Hope (T-AKR-300),a vehicle cargo ship belonging to the US Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC),in the Adriatic Sea off Durres, Albania.The logistics ship has a complement of 26-45 civilian mariners and up to 50 active duty troops.USNS Bob Hope is configured to preposition tanks, trucks and other vehicles and supplies in support of a US Army heavy brigade.It is a roll-on/roll-off vessel.
Also arriving at Durres were US Army Logistics Support Vessels MG Charles P. Gross (CSV-5) and SP4 James A. Loux (CSV-6).These large landing craft can beach and discharge up to 15 M1 Abrams tanks each, plus other equipment and supplies.They are part of an Army fleet of about 500 vessels under the US Army Transportation Corps.The two LSVs in Durres are crewed by a complement of eight Army warrant officers and 27 Soldiers each.Few realise that the Army has its own fleet.*
According to Pentagon Press Secretary RADM John F. Kirby,US Navy retired,D-E 21 is:
focused on deterring aggression, while preparing our forces to respond to crisis and conduct large-scale combat operations if necessary.*
Russia has recently built up a force of over 100,000 troops along its border with Ukraine and in occupied Crimea, Ukraine, about which Mr.Kirby noted that:
There's still quite a few-I mean there's still a lot of forces arranged against,or aligned along the border with Ukraine and in occupied Crimea.And it's still never been completely clear what the intentions were.*
So the atmosphere of crisis instigated by Russia still hangs in the air as D-E 21 ramps up.*
Mr.Kirby explained that:
DEFENDER-Europe exercise is going to conclude in June, but not before demonstrating joint force readiness, lethality and interoperability, reinforcing the US commitment to our Allies and Partners...*
Several component drills make up D-E 21:
1.Swift Response, which is airborne operations in Bulgaria, Romania and Estonia;
2.Immediate Response,which will have more than 5,000 troops from eight countries carrying out live-fire scenarios spread out over 12 nations;
3.Saber Guardian,with over 13,000 troops conducting more live-fire drills conjoined with air and missile defence operations; and
4.A large command post exercise with over 2,000 troops honing command and control skills over a multinational land forces contingent.*
U.S. Army Europe and Africa leads the drills, with active support from the US Navy and Air Force.*
Monday, May 3, 2021
Friday, April 30, 2021
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
NATO Land Forces:DEFENDER-Europe 21
The annual large-scale U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led exercise, DEFENDER-Europe 21, involving 26 NATO and Partner nations, will soon enter its active phase after two months of preparatory activities.The massive effort is intended to build strategic and operational readiness and interoperability.This year, more than 28,000 troops will conduct near-simultaneous drills over more than 30 training areas in 12 countries.According to U.S. Army Europe and Africa Commander GEN Christopher Cavoli:
No matter what, our nations count on our forces being ready to defend the peace.DEFENDER-Europe 21 provides us the best opportunity to hone our abilities alongside our allies and partners in the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea region so that, collectively, we are ready to respond to any crisis that may arise.*
Supported by the US Air Force and Navy while utilising key ground and maritime routes bridging Europe, Asia and Africa,D-E 21 will incorporate new or high-end capabilities in air and missile defence assets,as well as assets from U.S. Army Security Assistance Brigades and the newly reactivated V Corps, which is under the command of LTG John Kol asheski.V Corps will build readiness in their march toward full operational capability and promote interoperability among Allies and Partners,LTG Kolasheski indicated.
On 16 October 2020,U.S. Army V Corps reactivated at Fort Knox, Kentucky, reversing its deactivation in 2013.The reactivation at the request of U.S. European Command was meant to posture our forces to meet the obligations of the National Defense Strategy, and to compete in a dynamic battle space with our adversaries, filling a critical gap and thus setting conditions for a safe and prosperous Europe.
Explained Army Chief of Staff GEN James McConville:
The activation of an additional Corps Headquarters provides the needed level of command and control focused on synchronizing U.S. Army,allied and partner nation tactical formations operating in Europe.*
The 2018 NDS emphasises great power competition with near-peer adversaries such as Russia and China over low-intensity conflict in Afghanistan and Iraq.
On 20 November 2020,U.S. Army V Corps activated its new forward HQ in Poznan, Poland, where it can command and control NATO'S Eastern Flank.The forward HQ has a designated strength of 200 Soldiers, with 435 others stationed at Fort Knox.Full operational capability of the forward HQ is slated for November 2021.Indeed, Polish MG Adam Joks was appointed Deputy Commander of V Corps-the first ever Polish general officer to serve in such a command capacity in the US military.
V Corps was founded in 1918 in Europe during World War I.Russia's aggression against Ukraine in 2014 figured in reactivation of the unit, which facilitates NATO'S enhanced Forward Presence initiative.*
Equipment for D-E 21 began its journey from the US in March.This month,participating units have been drawing Army Prepositioned Stock from sites in Germany,Italy and the Netherlands.
Airborne operations,live fire training,missile defence and a large-scale medical evacuation will be staged.The Airborne operations will take place in Estonia, Bulgaria and Romania from early to mid-May.D-E 21 concludes in June with the transit of US-based forces and equipment from the homeland to Europe.
D-E 21 will showcase the ironclad U.S. commitment to NATO;be a prime example of our collective capabilities; and demonstrate that NATO Allies and Partners stand stronger together,U.S. Army Europe and Africa observed.*
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
What's Trending in Aerospace - April 25, 2021 - Aviation Today
What's Trending in Aerospace - April 25, 2021 - Aviation Today: Check out the April 25 edition of What's Trending in Aerospace with some of the latest headlines occurring around the global industry.
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
NATO'S New Juggernaut:US Navy Warship,Marine Corps Aircraft Deploy With UK Aircraft Carrier
On 19 April 2021 the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) left Mayport, Florida on deployment to British Carrier Task Group 21 (HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) Strike Group). Also joining the CTG will be a Royal Netherlands Navy frigate and a detachment of US Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike fighters from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VFMA 211). The Royal Navy CTG reportedly consists of two destroyers;two frigates;an attack submarine;Royal Air Force F-35Bs and Merlin helicopters;plus two sustainment ships.*
Commander,U.S. 2nd Fleet noted that:
The inclusion of U.S. forces in the strike group will improve expeditionary capabilities and interoperability between NATO allies, demonstrating the United States' commitment to the NATO alliance.*
Said CDR David Burkett,CO of The Sullivans:
It is an honor to sail in this elite multi-national strike group on the frontline demonstrating a fully integrated force that showcases the special relationship that our countries have.*
Of late The Sullivans completed a Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPUTEX) with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.One of the drills was a NATO vignette which provided familiarity training to facilitate Allied maritime interoperability and integration through using NATO procedures, messaging formats and chat capabilities.
According to Royal Navy Commodore Tom Guy of Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence:
To ensure truly effective deterrence and defence in the North Atlantic,we need to make sure that the navies of NATO can work as one team, and that means interoperability.This NATO vignette has been a great step forward in pursuing allied interoperability.CJOS COE looks forward to continuing to develop this for future deploying Strike Groups.*
Additionally, The Sullivans had joined UK-led Exercise Joint Warrior 20-2 last October, increasing her readiness for the international deployment.*
The Sunday Times reported that two Royal Navy warships from the CTG 21 will peel off into the Black Sea in response to Russia's precipitation of a crisis by building up its forces in occupied Crimea and along the border with Eastern Ukraine.The Russian forces
number about 100,000 troops, which is more than when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.
The Type 45 destroyer and Type 23 frigate will peel off from the CTG in the Mediterranean Sea and sail through the Bosphorous Strait into the Black Sea, according to senior naval sources.*
It is HMS Queen Elizabeth's first deployment and the CTG is planned to transit the Mediterranean,Suez Canal, Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific,interoperating with allies such as Japan during the mission.*
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
SecDef Austin:More US Combat Power Headed to Germany
Some 500 more US troops will be deployed to Germany,US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III declared in Germany, where he met with German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer.He also said that planning for implementing former President Donald Trump's order to withdraw 12,000 troops from Germany had been halted, effectively nullifying the order.According to Mr.Austin:
This planned increase in US personnel underscores our commitment to Germany and the entire NATO Alliance.*
The forces will be stationed in Wiesbaden,site of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, joining the 33,000-36,000 US Soldiers currently in Germany.Secretary Austin noted that:
They will augment our existing abilities to prevent conflict and,if necessary, fight and win.*
He also added that this move will create more space,cyber and electronic warfare capabilities in Europe, and will enable the US to more easily surge forces at a moment's notice in defence of NATO Allies.*
The new US forces will consist of a Multi-Domain Task Force having artillery; composite air and missile defence; intelligence; cyber,space and electronic warfare assets-plus a Theater Fires Command to augment readiness and interoperability with NATO Allies.
Both units had been prefigured in a US Army plan as long ago as 2018, which then sought to constitute the equivalent of division-level combat power with a field artillery brigade HQ;two multiple rocket-launch system battalions; and a short-range air defence battalion.The new plan has reduced the troop level increase fnrom 1500 to 500.*
COL Joe Scrocca, spokesman for U.S. Army Europe and Africa explained that:
The Theater Fires Command and Mult-Domain Task Force in Europe will enable U.S. Army Europe and Africa to synchronize joint fires and effects, control future long range fires across all domains, and will create more space, cyber and electronic warfare capabilities in Europe, integrating joint and multi-national fires in exercises and operations in support of U.S. Army Europe and Africa.*
The planned activation dates are 16 September 2021 for the Multi-Domain Task Force and 16 October 2021 for the Theater Fires Command.*
Additionally,three infrastructure complexes, including housing,in Mainz-Kastel and Darmstadt, that were to have been returned to Germany,are being retained in light of new strategies and a continually changing operational environment.The complexes are part of 21st Theater Sustainment Command.*
The moves come at a time of heightened NATO concern about a large increase in Russian forces- by up to 80,000-in Russian-occupied Crimea and along the border with Eastern Ukraine.Ms.Kramp-Karrenbauer expressed relief at the restoration of close military ties with the US that had been frayed under former President Donald Trump.*
Saturday, April 10, 2021
U.S. 2nd Fleet, U.S. 6th Fleet, and II Marine Expeditionary Force Collaborate during Joint Staff Discussions
U.S. 2nd Fleet, U.S. 6th Fleet, and II Marine Expeditionary Force Collaborate during Joint Staff Discussions: U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F) staff met with U.S. 6th Fleet (C6F) and II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) staffs virtually to discuss best practices for maritime effectiveness, Apr. 7.
Thursday, April 8, 2021
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
National Security Cutter Deployed to Europe:Russian Build-Up
For some weeks now,Russia has been bulking up its forces both in occupied Crimea, Ukraine and along the border of Eastern Ukraine.These forces include combat helicopters.Just what Russian President Vladimir I in Putin has in mind remains uncertain; but NATO is gravely concerned about its Partner Ukraine, with The New York Times reporting the
U.S. European Command raising its WATCHCON (Watch Condition) from " possible crisis" to "potentially imminent crisis."This alert level was elevated with the approval of US EUCOM Commander/Supreme Allied Commander Europe GEN Tod Wolters.*
The US Coast Guard is sending Legend-class National Security Cutter USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) from Puerto Rico to the European theatre.After escorting two Fast Response Cutters across the Atlantic to their new homeport in Bahrain, the Hamilton will conduct a patrol in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet AOR to maintain maritime security alongside NATO Allies and Partners, the Coast Guard said.*
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wants NATO to expand its naval presence in the Black Sea Region,he told NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call:
Such a permanent presence should be a powerful deterrent to Russia, which continues the large-scale militarisation of the region and hinders merchant shipping.In recent weeks,we have seen a very dangerous tendency with an increase in the number of ceasefire violations by the Russian occupying forces and the number of Ukrainian defenders killed (8).*
Mr.Zelensky also noted Russia's build-up on Ukraine's borders with forces ready for an offensive.A NATO representative told German media outlet WELT:
We remain vigilant and continue monitoring the situation very closely...destabilising measures by Russia undermine all efforts to de-escalate tensions within the ceasefire agreement of July 27,2020, concluded with the participation of the OSCE.The Allies share concerns about Russia's large scale military activities in and around Ukraine.*
Indeed, it's been observed that, farther afield, three Russian ballistic missile submarines broke through the ice near the North Pole.Responding to a reporter's question during a briefing, Pentagon Press Secretary RADM John Kirby ,US Navy retired, said that:
I think we've been very clear about threats that we see from Russia across domains.You mentioned some maritime issues,some air dimensions.There's certainly cyber threats and we're taking them very, very seriously.*
As to EUCOM raising its watch level ,Mr.Kirby observed that:
I can't speak to specifics in terms of EUCOM'S watch level,but just process-wise,a WATCHCON basically expresses a combatant commander's concern about a potential threat and the ability to provide potential warnings.So by setting a WATCHCON, basically the commander is better able to identify and track a threat and alert decision-makers.It's a way of improving and increasing a leader's visibility, noting that there's something worth watching-and "watching" is the operative word in there: that's what a WATCHCON is.I can't confirm or speak specifically as to what GEN Wolters did or didn't do with respect to his WATCHCON levels.*
A National Security Cutter has an electronic warfare system, including chaff and rapid decoy launchers.It is armed with a MK110 57mm gun;1x20mm
Block 1B Baseline 2 Phalanx Close-In Weapons System ;4 .50 caliber Browning M2 machine guns;2 M240B 7.62 mm machine guns;and is designed for additional weapons and sensors.As well,its communications are NATO-compatible.
The NSC embarks an MH-65C Dolphin helicopter.
*
Fabrinet Nationale,SA of Belgium owns Browning and Winchester.Its stock symbol is FN.
Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc (HII)
Friday, April 2, 2021
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Russia Stress-Tests Allied Air Command
Over less than six hours,NATO fighter aircraft were scrambled 10 times, from the North Atlantic and North Sea to the Black Sea,on 29 March 2021,to intercept groups of Russian warplanes.It was a level of agitation seldom,if ever,seen in the past seven years.
The activity began when Norwegian F-16 Fighting Falcons intercepted two Tu-95 Bear bombers near the coast of Norway.The Bears then headed south to the North Sea, causing British Eurofighter Typhoons and Belgian F-16s to be scrambled.Later on, Norwegian F-16s were sent up again to check out two Tu-160 White Swan bombers (NATO codeword "Blackjack") in international airspace.The Russian probing flights did not activate their transponders, leaving doubt as to their intentions.*
Another group of three unspecified Russian warplanes neared NATO airspace over the Black Sea, where they were met and followed by Turkish, Romanian and Bulgarian fighters until they departed the region.Separately, Italian fighters surveilled a Russian Il-38 Maritime Patrol Aircraft escorted by MiG fighters over the Baltic Sea near the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, which is wedged between Lithuania and Poland.
Said BG Andrew Hansen, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations at Allied Air Command in Ramstein, Germany:
Intercepting multiple groups of Russian aircraft demonstrates NATO forces' readiness and capability to guard Allied skies 24 hours a day,7 days a week,365 days a year.The men and women at NATO'S Combined Air Operations Centres in Uedem ,Germany and Torrejon, Spain responded to unidentified aircraft near the Alliance's borders by launching fighters...to investigate and protect Allied airspace.*
Interestingly, another such surge of Russian provocation occurred in 2014 following their seizure of Crimea and instigation of hostilities in Eastern Ukraine.At that time,Igor Sutyagin,a Research Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London and former analyst of military and technological policy at the Russian Academy of Sciences said:
They are training in conditions close to combat.The Kremlin is playing from a position of weakness.It's like poker,bluff-trying to intimidate the West and raise fears.*
At that time, the Russian surge was similar to Monday's incidents, only they occurred over a 48 hour period, during which eight Russian warplanes were intercepted by NATO over the North Atlantic/North Sea, four over the Black Sea, and more than 10 in the Baltic Sea Region.*
Tensions between Russia and the West have intensified of late over such issues as Russia's Solar Wind cyber attacks on the US,as well as interference in the 2020 US presidential election; the poisoning, arrest and sentencing to labour camp of Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny;and continued truce violations by Russian-backed militants in Eastern Ukraine, resulting in the death of Ukrainian Soldiers.Additionally,Russia deployed intermediate range nuclear-capable missiles on their European territory in violation of the INF Treaty, causing the demise of the Treaty.*
Monday, March 29, 2021
US Coast Guard to Use NG3 Avionics I/O Computer for Minotaur Program - Aviation Today
US Coast Guard to Use NG3 Avionics I/O Computer for Minotaur Program - Aviation Today: The Coast Guard will be using Astronics Corporation’s new NG3 Avionics I/O Computers for its Minotaur program, according to a March 24 press release. The computer will connect to avionics systems on the aircraft and enable sensor and I/O management with custom software for desired processing functions. “The NG3 is a tech insertion by the …
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